Romans 12:18 – Be At Peace
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Truth to Learn
Christians should be peace-seeking people.
Behind the Words
The word translated “it is possible” is dunaton, a word we’ve seen before. It refers to “power, authority, or ability.” Literally, what Paul is saying is, “If you have the ability” or “If it is within your power.”
“As much as depends on you” is translated from the Greek words to ex humōn. This literally translates to “the thing out of you” or “that which comes from you.” It could be interpreted as “the from you part” or “the part that you are responsible for.”
The words “live peaceably” are from the Greek verb eirēneuō, which is derived from the noun eirēnē, meaning “peace.” So, eirēneuō means “to be at peace.” It is interesting to note, however, that the root of this word is probably the verb eirō, which means “to join.” Hence, to be at peace with someone implies that you are joined together with them for your mutual benefit. It does not simply imply a passive act (that you leave each other alone) but an active one (that you join together with another person to produce good).
Meaning Explained
Following up on Paul’s previous instruction to us; not being reactive (giving evil for evil) but being proactive (preparing good things for others), he now gives us some more instruction on how the members of the body of Christ should behave.
He says, “If you have the ability, your part is to join together with others in peaceful coexistence.” Paul is not implying that some Christians have the ability to be at peace with others while other Christians don’t; rather, he is expressing the reality that not all people will allow others to live peaceably with them. We have all known people who behave out of anger toward everyone else, unwilling to let anyone be nice to them. And there are others who have an intense hatred for all Christians, refusing to be at peace with us. Thus, it is not always possible for us to be at peace with others.
Paul’s point is that we should make every effort to be at peace with all men. Our part of any relationship, the part that we are held responsible for, is to make every effort to be at peace with all people, even those who hate us, even those whose lifestyle is drastically different from our own, even those who don’t believe in God and who live in a manner that we know is not pleasing to Him, even those who intentionally make life difficult for us. We are not responsible for the actions of others, but we are responsible for our own actions. And we don’t have to compromise our own beliefs and values to do so.
Application
Once again we can look to our Lord Jesus as the example of this kind of living. Consider this: even though He got angry at the money changers in the temple and verbally condemned the Pharisees for being hypocrites, He did not make any selfish acts of hostility against anyone. We should model our behavior after His.
And – just as He does, we should hate the sin but love the sinner!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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